St. Lawrence NYSARC Awarded Recreation Grant From NYSARC, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - St. Lawrence NYSARC (www.slnysarc.org), a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to working for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities received a $5,000 grant to increase recreational options. The Trustees of the NYSARC Trusts awarded this grant for 10 children to take a trip to Rochester and for the purchase
of recreational equipment that will benefit more than 50 people for years to come.

The NYSARC Trust Grant provided funds that made it possible for the young people involved in St. Lawrence NYSARC's Saturday Club program to take a trip to the National Museum of Play in Rochester. An overnight trip was a first for this group and the children enjoyed staying at the hotel, especially since it had an indoor swimming pool. Saturday Club also went to a laser light show at Strasenburg Planetarium.

St. Lawrence NYSARC's Seaway Industries utilized a portion of the NYSARC Trust Grant to purchase a variety of recreational equipment for multiple facilities. The generous grant allowed the program to purchase: barbecue grills for three facilities including accessories and covers for those grills; fishing poles, tackle boxes and tackle; a digital camera; hand weights and an exercise bicycle; a Wii console including the games and accessories; and television.

People at the Agency's Hermon site used the fishing poles all summer and are thrilled to use their Wii as a fun way to exercise during the cold months. Individuals at the Massena location are excited to fully utilize their new exercise bicycle as part of an active fitness program. The new hand weights are a great option for individuals with limited mobility to exercise. The people who attend services in Ogdensburg love their new grill and are happily learning healthier options for cooking.

The NYSARC Trusts administer supplemental needs trusts that enable persons with disabilities to remain in their home and community and retain their Medicaid eligible services. The Trustees utilize remainder funds to benefit other persons with disabilities including unfunded Chapter guardianships. During the last 12 months, the Trusts have provided $750,000 to support Chapter Guardianship and over $50,000 in direct grants to individuals in need at the Chapter. Information on how you may benefit from a NYSARC Trust is available by calling 518-439-8323 or 800-735-8924 or at www.nysarctrustservices.org.

St. Lawrence NYSARC exists as a non-profit membership association to provide services in the community for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Our mission is to offer individuals and their families an opportunity to achieve self determined goals. All services strive to promote choices intended to meet each person's therapeutic, residential, and employment needs and interests. This Agency is committed to providing lifelong opportunities that enhance the individuality, inclusion, independence, and personal growth of individuals receiving services.